"Metro Hakone Romancecar" Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchase Information
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Odakyu "Metro Hakone Romancecar," which connects Kita-Senju Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and Hakone-Yumoto Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As Japan's first subway-connecting limited express train with reserved seating, it offers access to Hakone from central Tokyo without passing through Shinjuku.
*The timetable and fares are based on information as of March 14, 2026.
*The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, sales conditions, and purchase methods may change. Please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before use.
The "Metro Hakone Romancecar" is a limited express Romancecar that operates directly from Kita-Senju Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Hakone-Yumoto Station via the Odakyu Odawara Line and Hakone Tozan Line. Launched in 2008, it is Japan's first "subway-direct limited express train with reserved seating," and exclusively uses the dedicated 60000 series MSE train cars. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. Due to the lack of passing tracks on the Chiyoda Line, the train does not overtake local trains on the subway lines.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Train Name | "Metro Hakone Romancecar" |
| Operating Company | Tokyo Metro and Odakyu Electric Railway (Hakone Tozan Railway operates between Odawara and Hakone-Yumoto) |
| Main Operating Sections | Kita-Senju Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station (via Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Odakyu Odawara Line, and Hakone Tozan Line) |
| Main Starting and Ending Stations | Kita-Senju Station / Hakone-Yumoto Station |
| Number of Trains Running | Two trains on weekdays, six trains on weekends and holidays |
| Estimated Travel Time | Kita-Senju to Hakone-Yumoto: Approximately 2 hours to 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Seat | All seats are reserved. |
Table of Contents
- What is the "Metro Hakone Romancecar"?
- Metro Hakone Romancecar Timetable
- Metro Hakone Romancecar Operating Section
- Metro Hakone Romancecar Stations Served
- Metro Hakone Romancecar Fare
- How to Buy a Metro Hakone Romancecar Ticket
- Do I Need to Get a Physical Ticket?
- Can I Use Contactless Payment with an IC Card or Credit Card?
- Metro Hakone Romancecar Seating Information
- Ekiben and In-train Dining on the "Metro Hakone Romancecar"
- Points to Note When Riding the "Metro Hakone Romancecar"
- Summary
What is the "Metro Hakone Romancecar"?
The "Metro Hakone Romancecar" is Japan's first reserved-seat express train that operates directly through subway lines, and began service in 2008. Starting from Kita-Senju Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, it provides direct service to Hakone-Yumoto Station from central Tokyo stations such as Otemachi, Kasumigaseki, and Omotesando, without requiring transfers. Only the dedicated 60000 series MSE (blue Romancecar) trains are used, and they are specially designed to comply with the specifications of subway tunnels.
Train Features and Popular Points
The appeal of the "Metro Hakone Romancecar" lies in its convenience: it allows direct access to Hakone from central Tokyo stations such as Kita-Senju, Otemachi, Kasumigaseki, and Omotesando, without having to go through Shinjuku Station. It's also a convenient option for users along the JR Joban Line, Tobu Line, and Tsukuba Express. The MSE trains feature wood-grain interiors and high ceilings, creating a calm and relaxing space reminiscent of a hotel lounge. For those living along the JR Joban Line, Tobu Line, or Tsukuba Express, it's a convenient option that saves the trouble of going to Shinjuku.
"Metro Hakone Romancecar" Timetable
*The "Metro Hakone Romancecar" operates 2 times on weekdays and 6 times on weekends and holidays.
Downbound (Towards Hakone-Yumoto) Timetable
| Stations | First Train on a Weekday | First Train on Weekends and Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Departing from Kita-Senju | morning | morning |
| Departing from Otemachi | ― | ― |
| Departing from Omotesando | ― | ― |
| Odawara Arrival | ― | ― |
| Hakone-Yumoto Arrival | Approximately 2 hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes later | Approximately 2 hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes later |
*On the Chiyoda Line, the only stations the train stops at are Kita-Senju, Otemachi, Kasumigaseki, and Omotesando.
Timetable for Northbound Trains (Towards Kita-Senju)
| Stations | First Train on a Weekday | First Train on Weekends and Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Departing from Hakone Yumoto | afternoon | afternoon |
| Departing from Odawara | ― | ― |
| Omotesando Arrival | ― | ― |
| Kita-Senju Arrival | Approximately 2 hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes later | Approximately 2 hours to 2 hours and 15 minutes later |
*This is a representative example.
The "Metro Hakone Romancecar" operates two times on weekdays and six times on weekends and holidays. All trains stop at the same four stations on the Chiyoda Line: Kita-Senju, Otemachi, Kasumigaseki, and Omotesando. On the Odakyu Line, it also stops at Seijogakuenmae Station, and some trains split and merge with the "Metro Enoshima Romancecar" at Sagami-Ono or Odawara Station.
Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Days When Service is Suspended
The "Metro Hakone Romancecar" operates on both weekdays and weekends, but the number of trains is limited. Disruptions on the Chiyoda Line may affect service on the Odakyu Line, so please pay attention to the service information on the day of travel.
"Metro Hakone Romancecar" Operating Section
Main Sections
- Kita-Senju Station to Yoyogi-Uehara Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
- Yoyogi-Uehara Station to Odawara Station (Odakyu Odawara Line)
- Odawara Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station (Hakone Tozan Railway Line)
Kita-Senju Station is a transfer station for the JR Joban Line, Tobu Isesaki Line, and Tsukuba Express, making it convenient for accessing the area from northern Tokyo and Chiba/Ibaraki prefectures. It's also accessible from Otemachi and Omotesando stations, offering a unique opportunity to travel to Hakone without passing through Shinjuku.
"Metro Hakone Romancecar" Stations Served
Main Stops
- Kita-Senju Station
- Otemachi Station
- Kasumigaseki Station
- Omotesando Station
- Seijogakuenmae Station
- Odawara Station
- Hakone-Yumoto Station
*The stopping stations on the Chiyoda Line are the same for all trains.
"Metro Hakone Romancecar" Fare
Representative Section Fare
| Section | Total Fare (Adult) | Basic Fare | Limited Express Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kita-Senju Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station | 2,730 yen | 1,410 yen | 1,320 yen |
| Kita-Senju Station to Odawara Station | 2,210 yen | 1,090 yen | 1,120 yen |
*Actual fares may vary depending on the section of travel and the purchase method. Please check the latest fares on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.
Breakdown of Basic Fare and Limited Express Fare
The fare for the "Metro Hakone Romancecar" is the sum of the basic fare for the Tokyo Metro, Odakyu, and Hakone Tozan Railway lines, plus the limited express surcharge. It is a relatively reasonable price for a connecting express train, due to the low limited express fares of the Tokyo Metro and Hakone Tozan Railway. All seats are reserved, so there is no charge for unreserved seats. Please note that you cannot board or alight at Yoyogi-Uehara Station; the train simply passes through as part of the through service.
Discounts for Holders of a Disability Certificate
A discount on fares applies to individuals with a disability certificate who travel alone on the "Metro Hakone Romancecar" and whose journey exceeds 100km (specifically, between Ayase Station and Odawara Station, and between stations beyond Nishi-Nippori Station and Hakone-Yumoto Station). To receive the discount, you must purchase a limited express ticket and a regular ticket together at a station office on the Chiyoda Line or a ticket office on the Hakone Tozan Line.
How to Buy a "Metro Hakone Romancecar" Ticket
e-Romancecar (Online Reservation)
Odakyu Electric Railway's internet reservation service, "e-Romancecar," allows you to purchase limited express tickets online for routes including those on the Tokyo Metro line. If you charge the fare for your travel section onto your transportation IC card, you can board ticketless without receiving a paper ticket. Limited express tickets go on sale at 10:00 AM one month prior to the date of travel.
Ticket Vending Machines for Limited Express Trains on Tokyo Metro Lines
Tokyo Metro's limited express train stations (Kita-Senju, Otemachi, Kasumigaseki, and Omotesando) have ticket vending machines for limited express trains, and tickets go on sale one month prior to the travel date at the same time. However, Tokyo Metro does not accept advance reservations for limited express tickets; tickets can only be purchased after sales begin, including on the day of travel.
Ticket Offices on the Odakyu Line and Hakone Tozan Line
You can purchase limited express tickets at ticket offices at all Odakyu Line stations, at automatic ticket vending machines dedicated to limited express tickets, and at ticket offices at stations along the Hakone Tozan Line.
How to Buy for Foreign Tourists
The "Metro Hakone Romancecar" is operated by Tokyo Metro and Odakyu Electric Railway (both private railways), so the JAPAN RAIL PASS cannot be used. There are special tickets such as the "HAKONE FREEPASS" for international visitors, but there are no options departing from the Chiyoda Line, so you will need to pay the fare to Hakone separately and then purchase the free pass upon arrival in Hakone.
*The types of free passes and purchase conditions are subject to change.
Do I Need to Get a Physical Ticket?
Limited express tickets purchased through online services such as e-Romancecar, Romancecar@Club, and EMot can sometimes be viewed electronically on a smartphone screen, allowing you to board without issuing a paper ticket. If you purchase tickets at a station ticket office or automatic ticket machine, you will receive a paper ticket before boarding.
Can I Use Contactless Payment with an IC Card or Credit Card?
When riding the "Metro Hakone Romancecar," you will need separate tickets for the fare and the limited express surcharge. Transportation IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used as the fare portion on any of the Tokyo Metro, Odakyu, or Hakone Tozan Railway lines. However, the limited express surcharge cannot be paid using the balance on the IC card; it must be purchased as a limited express surcharge ticket in advance.
On the Odakyu Line, some stations offer contactless payment services using credit cards and other payment methods. However, this service may not be available on the Tokyo Metro Line or for all through services, so it's safer to prepare a transportation IC card or paper ticket for the fare portion of the journey.
"Metro Hakone Romancecar" Seating Information
Seat Types (All Seats are Reserved)
The "Metro Hakone Romancecar" is operated exclusively with the 60000 series MSE trains, and all seats are reserved. There are no unreserved seats.
| Seat Type | Content |
|---|---|
| General Seats (Reserved Seats) | Rotating reclining seats, power outlets at every seat. |
| Observation Seat | None (The MSE is designed for subway use, so the front view is limited). |
| Unreserved Seat | None (All seats are reserved) |
Distinctive Seating
The MSE has a narrower body width than other Romancecar trains to comply with the tunnel standards of the Chiyoda Subway Line. Its wood-grain interior, high ceilings, and warm-toned interior lighting create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The lead car has an emergency escape door, so it does not have the large panoramic windows found on other train types. The trains consist of 6 or 4 cars, and can also be coupled together to form 10-car trains.
Large Luggage Storage Area
There is a space for luggage at the end of the train car. Since this train is often used for long-distance travel, the design takes into consideration the needs of passengers traveling with suitcases and other luggage.
Barrier-Free Facilities
The MSE has barrier-free spaces. If you will be using a wheelchair, we recommend contacting the Odakyu Customer Center in advance.
Ekiben and In-train Dining on the "Metro Hakone Romancecar"
Since the timetable revision in March 2021, in-car sales service has been discontinued on all Romancecar trains. Vending machines for drinks are available on board. If you wish to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to purchase food in advance at shops or restaurants around Kita-Senju Station or Hakone-Yumoto Station.
*Onboard sales are not available. Operating hours for station shops and restaurants may change.
Points to Note When Riding the "Metro Hakone Romancecar"
The "Metro Hakone Romancecar" is an all-reserved-seat train, so if you know your travel dates, it's recommended to book early. Since there are only two trains on weekdays and six on weekends and holidays, be sure to check the schedule for your desired time slot in advance. Also, please note that advance reservations for limited express tickets are not possible on the Tokyo Metro lines; tickets must be purchased on the day of travel.
Since there is no onboard service, please prepare any planned meals before boarding. Some trains split and merge with the "Metro Enoshima Romancecar" at Sagami-Ono Station or Odawara Station, so please check your seat number to avoid boarding the wrong car.
Summary
The "Metro Hakone Romancecar" is an all-reserved-seat limited express train that runs from stations such as Kita-Senju, Otemachi, Kasumigaseki, and Omotesando to Hakone-Yumoto Station without changing trains at Shinjuku Station. Because it runs directly on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and Odakyu Line, it's convenient for travelers heading to Hakone from eastern and northern Tokyo. Since the number of trains is limited, once you've decided on your travel date, check the schedule and purchase methods and secure your seat early. It's also important to have the necessary train tickets and limited express tickets for your journey.
Take advantage of the convenience of being able to go directly to Hakone from the subway station, and plan your travel including the Hakone Tozan Railway and local buses after arrival.
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